Do Looks Matter In Business?

performance, then presentation

Jerry Seinfeld once said 85% of people are un-dateable, but what percentage are un- hireable ? After all, business is all about presentation, and if you need to be confined to the storage room when clients come by, will you be hired in the first place?

Of course you will. Business is really about performance. Otherwise, how could such un-dateable people hook up with such good-looking people? Because they get hired, they perform, they rise to the top, and as a result, they peak women's interests.

Maybe this is oversimplifying the issue, but the truth is that while looks may help you get that interview or even land you that job, sitting there and looking pretty will land you on the unemployment line quicker than you can strike a pose.

damn you're fine

Others are more fortunate. They get noticed the moment they step into a room, people want to get to know them better, some wish to hire them on the spot, and even others wish for more. These people have the opportunity to shine handed to them on a silver platter.

What happens afterwards comes down to performance. You see, over time, looks get neutralized, but performance does not (in business). There will always be a better looking person just waiting for your spot and if that's all you have going for you, then you will be out of luck — especially if the Tom Cruise look-alike also has Jack Welch leadership skills.

Some people fear that their looks are what got them into a certain position. If this is the case, it comes down to what you are comfortable with. If you could care less and are willing to play along with this game, then so be it. Who am I, and who are the purists to say otherwise?

The problem arises for those that do wish to stand on their performance and not their looks. In that case, you should strive to find jobs that consider good looks a bonus (sales, for example), but require results in order to survive (such as consulting). Only then will you know that you are being appreciated for your brain rather than brawn.